Ghostbusters 3... My Thoughts

Hey guys,

Today I want to talk about Ghostbusters 3.  Now at this moment... not much is going on in regards to Ghostbusters 3 ACTUALLY moving forward.  I mean, its been talked about for years.  Even shortly after the second film which came out in 1989, there was talks of another sequel and certain discussions have took place throughout the years.  So the reason I bring this up today is because it is still mentioned.  Since 2007 (my guess), we have heard so much about Ghostbusters 3 and along the way, Actor Dan Aykroyd has been putting so much hype into this sequel.  But now it's 2012 and looking back on what's been going with this sequel.  Dan Aykroyd sporadically teasing the public about another sequel for the past 5 years, and so forth.  It's come to a point now where I could care less for Ghostbusters 3.  Now I know the majority of fans out there would disagree because so many people believe in Dan Aykroyd to pull off this sequel.  But at the same time... I think a lot of fans out there refuse to understand what's going on and they refuse to acknowledge Ayrkoyd's BS in regards to Ghostbusters 3.  Now don't get me wrong... I'm a fan of Aykroyd's work.  He's done some good comedies in the past and he's wrote some good comedies.  I will admit to that.  But at the same time... here's a guy who has put so much hype into this sequel by proposing the idea of a "passing the torch" type plot for Ghostbusters 3.  Now I've heard so many arguments and feedback from different fans on why this is a good idea and why it's the right way to go.  Too me it's ridiculous.  The reason I say that is because after so many years and so much demand from fans, you're going to half-ass this sequel by pretty much saying "well we are too old and after a 23-year wait, we figured this is what the fans want".  That's the notion I get from this project... and at the same time, I don't understand why Dan Aykroyd keeps stating this sequel is all about the fans and it's what the fans want.  Give me a break.  I mean... how does Dan Aykroyd expect for so many fans to sign off on this? That's what I can't fathom.

Now don't get me all wrong, I enjoy Ghostbusters.  It's definitely a classic comedy and I enjoyed these characters.  Ghostbusters 2 was a good follow-up sequel.  Not better than the first film but it's an entertaining sequel.  So yes I enjoy the first two films... so why am I pessimistic about Ghostbusters 3? Well it's just when there has been so much talk.  A lot of back and forth between the fans and Aykroyd.  Just so much hearsay and at the end of the day, there seems to be no progression in developing this sequel.  Now I don't hate Dan Aykroyd for that but it doesn't help when you're trying to assure fans to go along with "passing the torch" when in all honesty, that's not what we have waited for nearly 25 years to see from these guys.  I mean some might argue, "well it's logical for them to do so" but do you really think a lot of fans are going to invest more into this young generation of Ghostbusters or the one's we have cherished for almost 30 years? My answer of course is the original characters.  Now I know the project has gone through up's and down's considering Bill Murray's reluctance to be part of the project.  There has been instances where Bill Murray has been acting like a dick when approached about Ghostbusters 3 (which I can believe!).  I can see Bill Murray being this way because I know nowadays is very cautious about certain roles or projects he will do (hence... doing more dramatic roles, not so much comedies).  I can believe that he probably is a dick and hard to work with.  Heck, there was story earlier in the year where Aykroyd sent a copy of Ghostbusters 3 script & Bill Murray disliked it so much that he shredded it and sent it back to Aykroyd.  I know that story was picked up by the National Enquirer... so I don't how much is true or whatever.  But I would not doubt for a second if Murray did such a thing.  Now I know the fans have been chewing out Bill Murray for certain things but the more I think about it, I can't really blame the guy.  Now I'm not on one side here.  This blog is not about defending Murray and blasting Aykroyd but I do think Murray is being more cautious because the last time Aykroyd was involved in a sequel was that piece of crap, Blues Brothers 2000.  So I do wonder... how should we feel assured about Ghostbusters 3? Especially when Aykroyd really hasn't done a whole lot since then and we don't need a repeat of that.  I mean Aykroyd has done some films where he's has had bit roles but in regards to sequels, Blue Brothers 2000 was not well-received (it was utter garbage!) and the hardcore fans think we should embrace Ghostbusters 3 because of Aykroyd? In my opinion, we should look at what's going on.  Because I know there is a small group of people out there that believe Aykroyd can pull off Ghostbusters 3 without Bill Murray and Aykroyd has been adamant about possibly doing that.  But if Aykroyd is so sure of himself, why has there not been much progression in the project? Now yes like I've said before, I believe Bill Murray is probably a dick.  I can imagine he his hard to work with but to take him out the equation, you have no Ghostbusters sequel.  

As much as Bill Murray can be difficult, he leads the group.  Dan Aykroyd is the heart of the group and I can admit to that but without Bill Murray, just how much can you accomplish? So that's why I question Aykroyd and what's been going on.  I'm not saying Murray is right in every aspect but I do understand why he is probably reluctant.  Now I know some might ask about Harold Ramis.  Harold Ramis IS part of the group and has been helping out Aykroyd in some way trying to develop Ghostbusters 3.  But when it comes to the fans and trying to maintain demand in the sequel, Dan Aykroyd is the focal point of everything Ghostbusters 3.  Now let's say... if things were done right.  If this idea of "passing the torch" was just an idea and I know according to some, there has been variations of the script.  But if things were done right I would be all for this sequel.  I mean what's so difficult about coming up with a simple story involving the four main characters? A story worthwhile would mean everything and I don't think "passing the torch" is the way to go.  Just keep it simple.  Also, bring back the everybody.  I don't care if people will say, "well they are too old" but I look at Harrison Ford who is pushing 70 and he did Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.  Whether if people like the film or not, at least Harrison Ford stuck to the role.  So it's a matter of bringing the main four guys back and doing things right.  I would like to see perhaps Annie Potts & Rick Moranis back for support.  I know Rick Moranis is retired but it would be nice to see him come back. But overall, in regards to characters... the main four guys is what's important.  That's if things were done right.  All in all, I know I've talked about this for a while.  There is still talk of trying to get Ghostbusters 3 off the ground.  I know some out there are behind Aykroyd because he's been adamant about this project but nothing is ironclad at the moment.  I'm aware that fans want to see this sequel because of the video game that came out in 2009 (which I still want to check out sometime) but right now it's just a lot of hearsay.  I'm sure the topic will resurface every once in a while because of Dan Aykroyd but honestly, I don't have much hope.  They have been at this since the early 90's and now it's 2012 where at once point they were suppose to start filming this year.  But nothing is being done.  So I'm sure there are things I'm unaware of when it's comes to the development of this project but I do think if it was done the right way, more fans would support this sequel.  Any ways, thanks for tuning in to this lengthy blog and take care.  =)

Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Expendables 2" Poster

Chuck Norris in "The Expendables 2" Poster

Happy Birthday Jet Li!

Movie News: April 18th - April 25th 2012

Hey guys,

Well... it's movie news Wednesday! Today I'm bringing you some interesting news that's been going around the net so let's get started:

Movie News: April 18 - April 25th 2012


- Director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) has been hired by Paramount Picture to direct a biopic of President George Washington, titled The General.  The film will be a historical drama and according to Variety, the script is similar in tone to Unforgiven.

- TV Host Dick Clark dies at 82.

- First Look: Actor Anthony Hopkins (Silence of The Lambs) as Alfred Hitchcock, in the film Hitchcock.  The film revolves around the making of Psycho.

- Actor Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins in the original Dark Shadows (1966-1971) tv series dies at 87.

- Actor Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Actress Rosario Dawson (Death Proof) have been confirmed to return for the sequel of Sin City, titled Sin City: A Dame To Kill For.

- Nearly 20 years after starring together in Angels In The Outfield, Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50, Inception) will reunite with Actor Tony Danza for Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut film, titled Don Jon's Addiction.

- Director of I Am Legend has been hired to direct The Hunger Games sequel.

- Rich Ross, chairman of Walt Disney Company's film unit has resigned following the company's $200 million dollar loss on John Carter.

- Director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Men In Black 3) has recently stated that Men In Black 3 will close out the trilogy.  If it becomes a success, Columbia Pictures would like to continue the franchise in the form of a reboot.  So far, nothing has been said about Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones continuing this franchise after Men In Black 3.

- Actor Guy Pearce (The Count of Monte Cristo, Lockout) has joined the cast of Iron Man 3, set for May 2013 release.

- Actor Robert DeNiro has recently stated that if he was approached with a great script, he would consider a sequel to Raging Bull.  As of right now, they are filming Raging Bull 2 with Actor William Forsythe playing DeNiro's character in his older years but DeNiro is not part of the project.  However, DeNiro is still interested in a sequel to Midnight Run, the 1987 action/comedy.

- Haywire star Gina Carano joins Fast & Furious 6.

- Actress Lindsay Lohan confirmed to play Elizabeth Taylor in Liz & Dick for Lifetime.

- "The Ringling Brothers" movie in the works.  Paramount Pictures are keeping story details under wraps for now but the plan is to make the film a family adventure in the spirit of Night of The Museum & Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

- Actor Mel Gibson joins Machete sequel, titled Machete Kills.

- The writers behind Transformers, Star Trek have been hired by Sony Pictures to write to the script for The Amazing Spider-Man sequel.

- Creators Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are auctioning off their very first drawing of the characters.  The current bid is at $5,500.

- Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that director Malcolm Lee (Undercover Brother) has been hired to direct Scary Movie 5... set for January 2013 release.  It's not clear on if Actress Anna Farris would return but she is interested in coming back.

First Look: The Tomb (2013)

Hey guys,

Today I want to do something random.  I thought why not share some information about the upcoming film, The Tomb.  Now movie news Wednesday is still happening and I have some interesting news to share very soon.  But today I want to talk about The Tomb for a little bit and of course there will more updates from the film in the upcoming months but I don't want to drown ya guys with so much right now.  So I know your probably wondering, "what's so interesting about The Tomb?" well in a nutshell... this is the first Sylvester Stallone/Arnold Schwarzenegger film set for 2013 release.  Now it is confirmed Arnold had worked with Stallone on The Expendables 2 for a somewhat bigger role... but The Tomb will be the first Schwarzenegger/Stallone collaboration in which both men are leading the film.  So what is the film about?

The Tomb (2013), the upcoming action/sci-fi thriller revolves around Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) who is the world's foremost authority on structural security.  After analyzing every high security prison and learning a vast array of survival skills so he can design escape proof prisons, his skills are put to the test.  He's framed and incarcerated in a master prison he designed himself.  Now his goal is to escape and find the person who put him behind bars.

Now so far this is the plot.  There hasn't been much confirmed on Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in the film but we do know he is playing a character named Swan.  As far as other cast members, James Caviezel (Frequency, The Passion of The Christ) has been confirmed to play the warden, William Hobbes, who will be the main antagonist of the film.  Wow... imagine that.  Rambo & Terminator vs Jesus Christ haha.  That notion is just funny.  But there has also been other names that have been added to the cast as well: Actor Vincent D' Onofrio (yes, the main detective from Law & Order: Criminal Intent).  50 Cent... I don't know why.  I mean... LL Cool J would have been better (in my opinion! At least he is a rapper who can act).  Actor Vinnie Jones from The Condemned (or if you want to say the guy who played Juggernaut in X-Men: The Last Stand).  Also, Actress Amy Ryan (War of The Worlds, Gone Baby Gone) and Actor Matt Gerald (Avatar, Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines).  So ya can the say the cast is starting to take shape.  My only nitpick is 50 Cent.  It's nothing against rappers... I mean like I said I think LL Cool J would be better.  Because I remember one time when Stallone wanted 50 Cent for The Expendables back in 2010 and there was so much backlash from the fans that Stallone decided to drop that notion.  So it's weird that he would be brought in for this film especially considering the two leads involved.  I don't know... I just hope his role is kept to a minimal and it's not like Righteous Kill again (because in 2008, we thought another DeNiro/Pacino collaboration would work... not with 50 Cent in the mix!).  But so far that is the cast.

The guy directing this film is Mikael Hafstrom who has directed before.  Such films as 1408 and The Rite.  I hope this guy knows what he is doing.  I mean working with these 2 leads and I hope he brings the right direction to this type of film.  The budget for this film is $70 million which I think is a good budget for a film of this sort.  It doesn't need a $200 million dollar budget like the majority of films today.  They have already started filming in New Orleans so by Fall perhaps they will move into post-production.  I'm thinking they would want to go for a Summer 2013 release date (just a theory).  But overall, that's pretty much it in regards to this project.  It's safe to say that more information will be released in the upcoming months but today I just wanted to give ya a quick scoop on this upcoming film and what's ironclad.  Now I know some might say, "well it's 25 years too late for these guys"... but I'm all for it and I can't wait for The Tomb.  So thanks for tuning in and stay tuned for tomorrow as I will bring you some interesting movie news.  Any ways, take care guys.

#pushAlexRiley

Happy Birthday George Takei!

"Dumb & Dumber 2"... My Thoughts

Now this has definitely been on my mind as of lately.  I can say right off the bat that Dumb & Dumber is one of my favorite comedies.  I mean growing up I was a big fan of Jim Carrey and how could you not be growing up in the 90's? The guy is a comedic genius.  I can think back to when I was about 6 or 7, watching his films like The Mask, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (not as much but I do remember it), Liar Liar, The Cable Guy, and of course this film.  Now as of the last let's say 7 to 9 years, Jim Carrey has slowly stirred away from his comedic roots that really made him.  Not saying that's a bad thing... I mean look at other comedic actors that have chosen different genres such as Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy to a degree, and so forth.  And yes there has been some good films in the bunch.  Heck, I can even admit that Man on The Moon would be in my Top 3 of Jim Carrey films for his performance and such.  But being a fan of Jim Carrey, there has always been a side to me that wanted Jim Carrey to go back to his comedic roots.  Me, Myself, & Irene was a good comedy.  I would say that last great Jim Carrey comedy was Bruce Almighty.  I remember seeing that film in theaters and I had a lot of fun.  Now he has made a couple of comedies in between.  Fun with Dick & Jane was a decent comedy.  Yes Man was disappointing.  I have to admit that.  It was a film I saw on the big screen because I had heard so much positive feedback on how it was something of Jim Carrey's work in the 90's.  But I don't know... I don't remember finding it that funny.  Maybe because it's a romance-type movie? I don't know.  I just thought it was lackluster.

So as of recently, Jim Carrey completed Mr. Popper's Penguins... which I've heard some good things about.  Yes, it's a family film but sometimes Jim Carrey can make it work.  He just finished wrapping up The Incredible Burt Wonderstone with Steve Carell, a comedy that revolves around two magicians from Las Vegas that feud with each other.  Sounds like a fun movie.  However, as of recently The Farrelly Brothers (directors of Dumb & Dumber) who recently directed The Three Stooges (which I thought was a good comedy)  has confirmed that their next project is to reunite Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels for Dumb & Dumber 2.  Now for a while there has been discussion about how Jim Carrey wasn't big on making sequels to his past films but he came to the Farrelly Brothers and stated "we have to do this".  So how do I feel about this? I'm 100% behind this.  I mean... let's be honest, the prequel from 2003 was stupid.  Just a pile of crap if ya ask me... I don't feel like talking about it (hence.. not mentioning it, it doesn't deserve Italics).  But I can say that a true sequel to Dumb & Dumber with Carrey & Daniels back is what I'm all for.  Now I know they have said to start filming in September 2012 with the writers of Hot Tub Time Machine & She's Out of My League involved with the script.  So that's a plus for me.

So I'm looking forward to the progress of this project.  My hopes is that they will stay on par and recapture the essence of the first film in regards to the fun chemistry between characters, the crude humor, and so forth.  I know some are not fond of sequels but this is one those sequels that's been talked about for years.  Even Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels have always had great chemistry even behind the film according to interviews and such.  So bringing them back and with The Farrelly Brothers involved once again has got me excited.  I know it's set for 2014 release which would be 20 years after the first film... now think about that... 20 years.  It makes ya wonder what these characters are up to today.  I do know that the directors have stated that the sequel will take place about 18 years after the first film which is the right thing to do.  Now some might be iffy on that considering where in the age of Facebook, Twitter, and other stuff and some are worried about overdoing jokes on society today.  It's understandable.  But aside from that, I'm looking forward to what's going to happen in the upcoming months.  I can't wait to hear more the directors, Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, and so on.  I hope the wait will be worth it and overall, I can't wait for Dumb & Dumber 2.  It should be a fun time.

Holograms: Musicians of The Past... My Thoughts

Today I want to touch on something that's been going on as of lately.  Now of course there has been so much buzz about the Tupac hologram performance at Coachella 2012.  While I know who Tupac is and I can admit, rap is not for me.  The performance was interesting.  I mean there has been a lot of people praising the performance & the way the hologram was done.  Now what I didn't know was something like this had been done before on American Idol.  My friend had shown me this video from YouTube where Celine Dion came out and did a duet with an Elvis Presley hologram singing, 'Can't Help Falling In Love You' on American Idol.  It was good performance.  I thought it was a good mixture & seeing Elvis on stage... even in a hologram, I thought it was done well and I applaud what they did.

Now in the past couple of days, knowing what technology can do in regards of reviving musicians from the past, it's got me thinking a lot.  First off, holograms are cool.  I'm not going to lie and so far with these recent holograms of singers from the past, it's got lot of positive feedback from people.  So today I want to share my 2 cents on this topic & kind of briefly explain how I feel about this.  Now just the idea of reviving musicians in a hologram is cool.  I know there have been some people out there who have said "it's nothing compared to the real thing" and they are right to.  I'm not going disagree with that.  But it's cool to see what technology can do.  The only thing that I can say... I would not say it's a negative thing but more of a nitpick (perhaps thought) is that from what they can do, it just goes to show the downfall of the music industry.  Now I'm not going to sit here and blast today's music all day because what can I say that hasn't been said before? I mean I can rant all day and yes it's a generation thing but today when musicians can only claim fame by the use of digital enhancements & auto-tune it's just no comparison to the past.  Even other things such as American Idol.  I'm not a big fan of that show because even with people who come out winning they really don't elevate much higher from a certain point and what they produce after a while becomes stagnant.  I know some might disagree but if I had to be honest, we need more musicians than we do singers in this age.

So there are things to blame for today's music industry.  But with this somewhat trend of reviving musicians from the past in hologram-form, I don't mind.  I'm all for it.  Yes, what they can do will never touch the real thing but I rather see a hologram of Elvis than go down the road and listen to the same vanilla, recycled crap on the radio.  Now I can understand people might go "well it just goes to show the lack of creativity in today's music" or "I can't believe they would make money off of the dead like that".  I will not disregard those things.  It's understandable.  But I don't mind it and now as of recently they are in talks of doing the same for Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and Marvin Gaye.  I'm interesting in seeing how it will be done.  So while it's cool and I don't mind it.  At the same time I can understand the backlash from people.  It's a thing where I can say I'm 80/20 on if I can put it like that haha.  Any ways, I will just wrap it up here.  It's been good talking about this and briefly sharing my 2 cents.  Thanks for tuning in and have a good day.

RIP Dick Clark

Movie News: April 11th - April 18th, 2012.

Hey guys,

Today I thought why not kick off sharing some movie news & the more I thought about it I kept thinking I would like to make this a weekly thing.  So from here on out... every Wednesday is Movie News day.  Every Wednesday I will cover movie news from the past week and give ya insight as to what's going on in the film business (figures right? lol I'm a movie freak) but any ways, I hope you enjoy this?:

Movie News... April 11th - April 18th, 2012.

- Director Gary Ross, (director of The Hunger Games) will not return to direct the sequel due to heated negotiations with Lionsgate.

- Mark Wahlberg & Will Ferrell have signed up the upcoming football comedy, "Three Mississippi" which begins filming in September.

- "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" to become live-action superhero film.

- "Short Circuit" remake to make Johnny 5 more threatening.  (wow... that's great... NOT!)

- Jason Statham turns down "Fast & Furious 6" offer.

- "Sin City" sequel now titled, "Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For" is now set to start casting soon with many of the original cast members set to return.

- The main villain of "Thor", Loki... will not be the main villain for "Thor 2".

- Actors Edward Norton & Sean Penn are in talks for "Robocop" remake.  Actor Joel Kinnaman has been confirmed to play Alex Murphy aka Robocop and plans are being set to have Kinnaman being supported by  major Hollywood actors.

- Actor Mel Gibson is in talks for "Machete" sequel.

- Production of "The Tomb" the upcoming sci-fi, prison-thriller starring Sylvester Stallone & Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to begin in a couple of days.  They will start filming in Louisiana, in the Spring of 2012. The film is set for 2013 release.

- Actor Bill Murray recently stated that he MAY return for "Ghostbusters 3". 

- As of recently, director David Slade (30 Days of Night) has been giving updates on the "Daredevil" reboot and has stated his shift has been focused on the upcoming, "Hannibal" TV series.  It's been confirmed that 20th Century Fox is wanting to reboot "Daredevil" because of fear of losing rights to the character, which would revert back to Marvel unless production begins this year.

- With "The Dark Knight Rises" being the last installment for Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros. have no plans to give up the franchise that have grossed billions.  Right now they are scrambling to come up with director to replace Nolan to take over the franchise, here are some names that are being considered: Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class), Zack Snyder (Watchmen), Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes), Rupert Wyatt (Rise of The Planet of The Apes), and David Yates (last four Harry Potter films).

- Actors Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid) and James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek) are working on Hollywood comeback.

- Universal Pictures is moving forward with a big screen adaption of "The Rockford Files", the popular tv series that ran from 1974-1980.  Actor Vince Vaughn has been confirmed to play the lead character while the writers of "Walking Tall" & "Ocean's Thirteen" have been hired to provide the script.

Well that's it for today.  I hope you enjoy this lengthy blog of movie news and next Wednesday, I will provide more.  Thanks for tuning in and take care.  :)

Sparkling Ice... Great Stuff! :D

Just a random post... ya should buy this stuff! Sparkling Ice baby!
It's great! Filled with a bunch of vitamins & just good things for ya.

Hey folks! Welcome to my blog.

Hey guys and welcome to my blog!

First off, I want to thank you for checking out this blog.  Yes... this is not my first round with blogging.  I've blogged several times in the past but it was always on and off.  But right now there is not much going on.  I know that's not saying much but currently I'm dealing with some down time & I figured why not go back to doing more blogging and just blogging about random stuff.

So this is just a quick post.  I hope you look forward to more blogs (i.e. random discussions, topics, and on)... I know some might wonder "well just use Tumblr for blogging" well I have before but personally it wasn't for me.  I've learned a few things using Tumblr but I don't know... maybe one day I will get back into Tumblr and have that as a secondary blog page but I find this to be more simple at the moment but who knows.  Any ways, I just wanted to be brief today.  As for what's ahead just expect random things haha so stay tuned for what's ahead and take care.